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San Marino Unified trustees hear Measure M update; historical‑resources review to begin
Summary
District staff told the board the Measure M program has entered design and early-impact phases, started a 12‑week historical‑resources evaluation for several sites, and will site interim portable classrooms this summer to support construction.
San Marino Unified School District trustees received a progress update on Measure M projects on Jan. 13, including a newly initiated historical‑resources evaluation that staff said will add roughly 12 weeks to one design deliverable but will be run concurrently with other design work.
The update, presented by Assistant Superintendent Dr. Steven Choi and project lead CJ, outlined early-impact work completed over winter break and the status of major phase‑1 projects. Dr. Choi reminded the public that the citizens bond oversight committee will review Measure M expenditures at a meeting Thursday and that district communications will include a MeasureM newsletter and webpage updates.
Project staff said a 2020 city study identified three of four Measure M sites as potentially historic, prompting a required historical‑resources evaluation under CEQA. "It is expected to be a 12 week process to draft this document," CJ said, adding that staff will run design activities concurrently to avoid schedule loss. When trustees asked whether the study would delay interim housing, CJ said the district separated interim housing into a distinct phase and will pursue DSA approval so temporary facilities can be placed while other reviews continue.
Staff outlined campus‑level plans: at Valentine Elementary the proposed two‑story classroom building is being located on the left side of campus because easements on the right limit placement; interim housing is expected to include three portable classrooms and one set of restrooms to be installed this summer. For San Marino High School, staff said the district is considering a two‑story replacement for Building 300 to free space for future gym or pool expansion and plans to relocate the career center to the library pending additional survey work.
Early‑impact work includes playground replacements at Carver and Ballantyne elementaries, with vendor proposals narrowed to two options per campus and student input planned; roofing replacements completed over winter break; and a concessions/restroom refresh at San Marino High School nearing completion. CJ told the board that water intrusion found on the block concession building will be addressed through contingency funds and "we reconfirm today it will not be a change order."
Security and access upgrades were also reported: temporary fencing has been replaced with permanent fencing at San Marino High School, the district is adding an ADA‑accessible automatic gate with badge and camera controls for deliveries, and a lease‑leaseback RFQ will be advertised next week.
The update concluded with trustee questions about easement constraints and contingency usage. CJ described contingency budgeting as typically set at 10% of construction cost and retained on the owner side to address unforeseen issues. The board took no formal action on the informational report.
The district will post Measure M materials and schedule to the MeasureM webpage; the citizens bond oversight committee will receive an expenditure report at its upcoming meeting.
